Surrounded by the buzz of innovative clubs and groups at the University of Michigan, Daniella Chait found herself captivated by the magic of entrepreneurship. It all started when she noticed her peers working on various projects. “I always wondered how they were able to come up with their ideas,” she muses. “What interested me the most was how people were able to take these small ideas and make them something much bigger and life-changing for so many people.”
Soon, Daniella started working for Dr. Aaron Crumm, who introduced her to the opportunities available at the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE). “I heard about his company and what he did through a friend and applied to be his IA,” she recounts. Eager to delve into the world of entrepreneurship, Daniella took this new opportunity as the chance to start building her skillset.
As an Instructional Aide for ENTR 500, Introduction to Innovation Careers, Daniella found the entrepreneurial education she’d been looking for. “Being an IA has helped shape my idea and understanding of entrepreneurship,” she reflects. Witnessing students’ ideas evolve and flourish throughout the semester, Daniella learned a valuable lesson in adaptability and creativity. “Don’t dismiss what seems to be a bad idea; the best inventions come from the craziest thoughts,” she advises.
One of the highlights for Daniella was seeing students unleash their creativity in class activities, such as creating a tree planting business and pitching their idea to the class. “I love seeing the wide range of ideas from environmentally sustainable companies to luxury companies and how creative the students are able to become,” she enthuses.
Looking ahead, Daniella is set to embark on a new chapter in her professional journey, joining GE Aerospace in their Operations Management Leadership Program (OMLP). Her time at the CFE has equipped her with invaluable skills and insights that will undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavors.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Daniella offers a piece of advice: “Go to all the events and speakers. Your network is your most important tool, and in order to build it up, you have to meet and reach out to people.” Thanks to a spark of curiosity and the guidance of Dr. Aaron Crumm and the CFE, Daniella Chait has embarked on a path of endless possibilities. We can’t wait to see what she does next!